The Obama administration committed to reduce U.S. emissions 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. A new WRI study reveals how to achieve that target—and go even further—through existing federal policies and state action.

WRI Board member and former Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Energy Sue Tierney explains why April 16th was a remarkable (and remarkably dull) milestone in electric-industry history.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases commonly used as refrigerants, are a small but rapidly growing component of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, climate-friendly substitutes exist, and some of these alternatives can even create net savings for consumers.

A new WRI study finds that there are many win-win opportunities for the United States to reduce emissions and save money for consumers and businesses. Our blog series, Lower Emissions, Brighter Economy, evaluates these opportunities across five key areas—power generation, electricity consumption, passenger vehicles, natural gas systems and hydrofluorocarbons (coming soon) —which together represent 55 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

The number of SUV models getting at least 25 miles per gallon (mpg) has doubled in the last five years, while the number of cars achieving at least 40 mpg has increased sevenfold. Research shows that new policies can drive efficient vehicle use even further, lowering emissions and saving consumers money.

Oil prices are plummeting, the United States and China made a major joint climate announcement, and renewable energy reached price parity with coal in a growing number of markets. Iconic tech companies—including Google and Apple—are playing a larger role in both renewable energy and home energy efficiency.

Against this backdrop, 2014 is on track to go down as the world’s hottest year ever recorded. Already, the first 10 months of 2014 have been the hottest on record globally. This is a troubling trend.